NEW DELHI: Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha on Wednesday suggested that the country, keen to boost the popularity of yoga as a sport, should include it in the programme of the Asian Games.
In a letter to Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President Raja Randhir Singh, the legendary athlete urged the continent’s sports community to include yoga in the Asian Games programme.
“The world celebrated the 10th International Day of Yoga on June 21 and the universal response was overwhelming. People across countries are embracing and benefiting from Yoga,” Usha said in the letter.
She said it was important for India to lead the effort to incorporate yoga into sport’s biggest festival.
“As the spiritual home of yoga and as Vishwaguru, I am confident that India can campaign for yoga to be included in the Asian Games and eventually the Olympics as well,” she said.
She noted the fact that ahead of next month’s Olympics, Paris’ famous Louvre museum will be offering visitors the chance to take part in instructor-led yoga sessions.
The IOA president added that the Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has highly encouraged and appreciated the idea of including yoga in the Asian Games.
“He told me that he thinks participating in the Asian Games will be the first step towards taking the sport to the Olympics. It is necessary for our traditional sport to get on such a stage,” Usha said.
Published June 26, 2024 08:39 IST